[Kumamoto/Takamori Town] What is Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine? | A Mysterious Legend and the Setting of an Anime

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine (Pronunciation: Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Jinja) is a shrine located in Takamori Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture. It is well known for its mystical and atmospheric approach path.
Additionally, Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine gained sudden fame as the setting for the manga and anime Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light (Hotarubi no Mori e), created by Yuki Midorikawa, a manga artist from Kumamoto Prefecture.
Moreover, aside from worshiping at the main hall, visitors must not miss the power spot Ugetoiwa, the sacred rock of the shrine. The sight of a massive rock with a naturally formed wind hole is truly breathtaking.
In this article, we will introduce the highlights of Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, information about its goshuin (temple seal stamps), and access details.

What is Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine?

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine is located in Takamori Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture. It is situated southeast of Mount Aso, near the border of Oita and Miyazaki Prefectures.
The shrine consists of an approach path, a worship hall (haiden), and the main hall (honden). Beyond these structures lies Ugetoiwa, the sacred rock of the shrine.

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History of Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine

The shrine was built in 1722, but the site itself has been a place of worship since ancient times. It enshrines the two deities, Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, who have been revered by the local people for generations.
Additionally, the shrine also enshrines the aratama (fierce spirit) of Takeiwatatsu-no-Mikoto, the deity of Aso, as well as Iwagimi Taishogun.
Moreover, Ugetoiwa is associated with the legend of Takeiwatatsu-no-Mikoto and Oniyahoshi, which will be explained later.

The Sacred Tree: "Nagi"

The sacred tree of the shrine is the Nagi tree, which symbolizes protection and harmony. The name Nagi is associated with the word nagi (calm), making it a charm for warding off evil and ensuring peaceful resolutions. Additionally, since the leaves of the Nagi tree are difficult to tear, it is also regarded as a symbol of strong relationships and matchmaking.
Nagi is also the sacred tree of Kumano Sanzan, the main Kumano shrines.

The Approach Path of Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine

The shrine’s approach path extends about 300 meters, with 280 stone steps lined with numerous lanterns and towering cedar trees. The mystical atmosphere makes it feel as if you've stepped into a scene from a Studio Ghibli movie.
As you pass through the Ichinotorii (First Torii Gate) and Ninotorii (Second Torii Gate), you may notice a gradual shift in the air, enhancing the spiritual ambiance.
This approach path was also depicted in a scene from Yuki Midorikawa’s manga and anime Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light (Hotarubi no Mori e), where the two main characters walk together.
Since the path can be damp and slippery, it is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes such as sneakers when visiting.

Unique Komainu and "Sazareishi"

The fragments that broke off when Ugetoiwa was split are called Sazareishi. These small sacred stones can be found scattered along the shrine's approach, adding to the mystical atmosphere.
Additionally, though the exact year of their construction is unknown, the shrine features komainu (guardian lion-dog statues) with unique expressions, which are also worth seeing.

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine's Worship Hall and Main Hall

After climbing the 280 stone steps, you will reach the worship hall (haiden). Behind it stands the main hall (honden). If you continue further beyond the main hall, you will arrive at Ugetoiwa.

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine’s "Ugetoiwa"

Ugetoiwa is a massive rock with a large hole in it, as if it has been pierced through. Even during the powerful 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, this sacred rock remained intact. It is considered a spiritual power spot where visitors can feel the energy of nature.
There is also a legendary tale about Ugetoiwa involving Takeiwatatsu-no-Mikoto and Oniyahoshi.

The Legend of "Ugetoiwa"

Long ago, Takeiwatatsu-no-Mikoto, the great deity of Aso, was highly skilled with a bow and practiced archery every day. His servant, Oniyahoshi, was tasked with retrieving the fallen arrows.
Oniyahoshi diligently picked up 99 arrows, but when he carelessly picked up the 100th arrow with his toes, Takeiwatatsu-no-Mikoto became furious and decided to punish him.
Oniyahoshi fled and eventually reached this location, where he encountered a large rock blocking his path. In desperation, he smashed through the rock and escaped. This rock became known as Ugetoiwa, and the scattered fragments became Sazareishi.
Because of this legend, the rock is believed to grant blessings for victory, success in exams, and academic achievements.

Goshuin (Shrine Seal Stamps) of Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine

The goshuin (shrine seal stamps) of Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine can be obtained at the Takamori Town Tourist Exchange Center, located near Takamori Station on the Minamiaso Railway.
Price: 300 yen per seal (3 different designs available)

Ema (wooden prayer plaques): Available for 850 yen, ideal for victory prayers

Access to Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine

The nearest airport to Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine is Aso Kumamoto Airport (Kumamoto Airport).
From Kumamoto Airport, the recommended routes are rental car, express bus "Takamori-go," or a combination of local bus or taxi (since some sections of the Minamiaso Railway from Tateno Station remain out of service).

By Rental Car or Private Vehicle

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The recommended driving route from Kumamoto Airport to Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine is via Prefectural Route 28, National Route 325, and National Route 265.
From Kumamoto City, it is best to take National Route 57 and then merge onto National Route 325.

By Express Bus

To reach Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine using public transportation, first take the express bus "Takamori-go" from Kumamoto City or Kumamoto Airport to the "Takamori Chuo" bus stop.
Alternatively, you can take the Yurutto Bus from Tateno Station on the Hōhi Main Line to reach Takamori.
The Takamori Chuo Bus Stop is directly in front of the Takamori Town Tourist Exchange Center.
From the Takamori Chuo Bus Stop, take the Takamori Town Community Bus "Iromi Loop Line" (either via Onsenkan or Iromi route), or the Kawahara Line or Oshita Line. Get off at "Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine Entrance" bus stop.
Travel time: About 15 minutes

Fare: 200 yen (one way for adults)

Alternatively, taking a taxi from central Takamori Town to the shrine costs around 1,780 yen.
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine Information

◎ Summary of Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine

We have introduced Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, a sacred site rich in ancient myths. This shrine continues to attract the faith of many people.
When visiting Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, please respect the etiquette and rules.
If you ever travel to Kumamoto, be sure to visit this mystical and spiritual shrine!

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[Kumamoto/Takamori Town] What is Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine? | A Mysterious Legend and the Setting of an Anime